Followings are some of the comments and feedback from participants of Introduction to Mindfulness Practice program so far both in Hamilton and Waterloo region:
If you have a brief story/even that illustrates the benefits of mindfulness practice,, please share:
- I am much aware of the tension I carry in my body, as well as what my body was feeling overall. I suppose in a way I have been thinking of my body as merely the way I transport my brain around. I habitually ignored things like hunger or discomfort if it wasn’t convenient to deal with them at the time. This program has helped me feel much more the connection between my mind and body. Finally I am actually listening for what my body is trying to say. –Deb (name changed on request)
- I think you offer a wonderful program, Parmjit. This course and yoga enhances my mind, body experience. It is a beautiful combination.—Lisa
- After working full-time and looking after a family, you forget to be kind to yourself, sometimes we are our harshest critic.—Eileen
- I often played your CD while driving (to and from Hamilton). Most helpful to stay aware of when surrounded by aggressive drivers. PS: thank you to your wife (Manjit, added) for fantastic food. –Janet
- I was recently been treated in a disrespectful and unkind way by a superior at work. I felt that I have no recourse but to take what was happening to me. Through mindful practices, I was able to deal with the person and situation in a professional, respectful yet proactive manner. Although the situation is still unresolved, I feel happy and content with the process.—Linda
- The program is excellent.—E.
- For a very long time (2 years) I have struggled at work in the afternoons. I could not focus. If I had to do something important I needed to get done I know I had to do it in the morning. Now I am able to focus all day. PS: Thank you Mrs Parmjit (Manjit, added) for yummy food.—Laura
- I had a very stressful meeting. In the past I would have replayed and worried about my responses, awkward moments afterwards for days. During the meeting I thought about meditation practices and wished for relief, but it didn’t happen. I got in my car after meeting and began to think about how it has gone…within 15 minutes I had completely let it go! It barely crossed my mind in the days following and when it did I had no feeling of stress or anxiety, regret about it! This is when I knew the meditation was beginning to show.—Allison.
- I had a complete emotional breakdown recently. I practiced the body scan and was able to recover quickly from my upset. It is re-assuring to know I have the tool of meditation to help me handle current challenges in my life.—Anonymous.
- Stopping/minimizing worry/ rumination by focusing on breath and ability to relax has improved.—Carmel.
- The concept of ‘Disciplined Gentleness’ helped a lot.—Anonymous.
- Body Scan and breathing techniques worked at school, and during stressful situations.—Cheryl.
- I had to upgrade my cell phone contract and from experience knew it would be difficult. The mindfulness program helped diffuse the stress.—David
- Sleep improved and found happiness in mundane tasks.—Stella.
- I’m a brain injury survivor. My brain is re-wired and life does not work they way it used to be. Being mindful is teaching me to explore the changes that exist & live in a way that is beneficial to my life now. It is an ongoing journey but I believe now I have a very strong foundation to overcome the effects of brain injury. The course is very rewarding. Thank you for what this has and will bring to my life.—Ashleigh
- Today, I was running behind at work. I would normally be very stressed & upset about being late to come here but I was able to let that go, have an attitude of “I’ll get here when I get here” and even feel happy about getting here rather than frustrated. I am starting to be more self-compassionate and relate to others in more compassionate way.—Mary Ann
- I often have a ‘hot button’ response to certain forms of criticism at work and yesterday for the first time I was able to catch myself and delay responding until I had time to cool off.—Kartikaya
- I noticed that I live my life on automatic pilot. My mind is always somewhere that I am not. The practice has taught me to stop and think about what I am doing and being present.-Chris
- My wife was very stressed at her work at a hospital. After practicing mindfulness, she is not as stressed as she used to be and change is obvious.—Len
- I think you run a great program Parmjit. The calming it brings in my mind and daily life with time and practice it will be changing. To come together with strangers and make the connection to these people has been fantastic!!!—Beverly
- The six week course, Mindful Practice and being kind to myself has enabled me to reduce my dosage of anti-depressants. I have stopped self-medicating. My constant neck and shoulder tension has been reduced when I practice your techniques.-Diane
- A scalp rash that has plagued me for two and half years went away during the practice duration. Even if it not for ever, it is amazing. -Stuart
- I remember asking Manjit on the first evening if she thought I would sleep better taking this course, & indeed she thought I would. I have to say that this has been one of the gifts from this course—much much better better sleep!- Grace
- I sometimes have difficulty sleeping because I have so many things on my mind so the breathing and counting exercises have helped. I also like learning about self-compassion and non-judgment. I think I am more aware of how important it is.—Melissa K.
- I play highly competitive videogames, and with the help of meditation, [ I] have been able to become aware of my mistakes and accept them instead of placing blame on others.—Stephen B.
- I usually talk and never listen and being mindful has made me realize the ways things can happen when you lose control.—Ryan J.
- The increase in awareness of nature/surroundings as well as kind thoughts for others—being less annoyed with others.—Richard F.
- The feeling of calmness or peace lasts in home ways throughout the day like the chime which keep on ringing.—James L.
- I am trying not to hurry as much, i.e., if I am late for something, I won’t let it bother me, i.e., drive fast. —Name withheld on request.
Question 1:How participation in this program (Intro to Mindfulness Practice) has improved, if so, your awareness of daily stresses?
- Sleep improved; better concentration of menial tasks; take delight in small things ignored before and taking the time to meditate becomes habitual.—Name withheld on request.
- Participating in mindfulness has helped me become aware of how my body reacts to stresses physically and emotionally. Although I still need practice, I think this awareness has helped me calm down faster in stressful situations. —Melissa K.
- Aware of anger and much less quick to blame. Handles pressure easier. —Stephen B.
- More aware of moments in my day. Slow down while eating-more thoughtful; when trouble sleeping-use body scan to slow the mind; I like putting my thoughts into clouds that float above me—it’s kind of like making a list.—Penny S.
- Counting to 9 in situations gives different perspective; remembering to be mindful helps to enjoy the ability to breathe. — Ryan J.
- Increased awareness of body stress during day; increased awareness when I am shallow breathing; increased awareness when I need rest and increased awareness of my anxiety and fears.—Name withheld on request.
- Taking time to sit has made me much more aware of stress which I tend to ignore.—Richard F.
- The practice has made me aware of daily stress; the practice in the morning set me up for the day or at least part of the day; it has made me aware of non-mindful thoughts/actions/feelings.—James L.
If you are interested in learning ways to become aware of your daily stresses and challenges and how to deal with them in a non-judgmental setting, please join us in our next Intro to Mindfulness Practice offering.